The Torch Festival is a festival of the Yi people, originating from the ancient Yi tradition of sacrificing to the fire god. According to legend, the Torch Festival was first held to pray for a good harvest and blessings, and then gradually evolved into a folklore activity to celebrate and express good wishes.
Time and Place of Torch Festival
The Torch Festival is usually held on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar every year, and it is one of the biggest festivals of the Yi people. It is held in various Yi settlements in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, the most famous of which is the Dali Ancient City.
Operating Steps of the Torch Festival
The operating steps of the torch festival can be divided into three parts: preparation, lighting and burning.
Preparation
The night before the torch festival, the Yi people will prepare torches in their respective homes. The torches are usually made of bamboo and straw, and the method of making them is to bind the bamboo and straw together and tie them tightly with strips of cloth. The torches vary in size and shape, with some as long as 3 meters and others only about 1 meter.
Lighting the Fire
On the evening of the Torch Festival, the Yi people will gather in the marketplace or square to light the torches. Before lighting the fire, the Yi people will perform some traditional ceremonies, such as offering flowers and sacrifices. Then, an elder will light a big torch, while others will light theirs in turn.
Burning
After lighting the torches, the Yi people will walk around the bazaar or square three times with the torches in their hands, and then put down the torches and let them burn out. During the burning of the torches, the Yi people will shout slogans about the return of spring and the revival of all things, expressing their aspirations and prayers for a better life.
Significance of the Torch Festival
The Torch Festival is a way for the Yi people to express their good wishes and prayers, and it is also an important part of the Yi culture. On the day of the Torch Festival, the Yi people will put on traditional Yi costumes, dance traditional dances, taste traditional food and **** together to celebrate this festival belonging to the Yi people.
Conclusion
The Torch Festival is one of the grandest festivals of the Yi people and an important part of the Yi culture. Through the torch festival, a traditional folklore activity, we can better understand the profundity of Yi culture and feel the passion and boldness of the Yi people. Let's look forward to the next year's Torch Festival, *** with the charm of Yi culture!